Coca-Cola Philippines Shares EPR Implementation Perspectives at ASEAN- EU Summit in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines — Government, business, and development leaders recently convened in Cebu for the ASEAN-EU Sustainability Summit 2026, a regional forum focused on practical approaches to environmental and economic challenges across Southeast Asia.

The summit was organized by the EU-ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC) and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), in partnership with the Philippines’ role as ASEAN Chair, and brought together public and private sector stakeholders to discuss policy alignment, implementation realities, and investment conditions.

Coca-Cola Philippines participated as a sponsor and speaker in the flagship session, “Making Circularity Work: Scaling Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in ASEAN.” Discussions focused on how EPR frameworks can move from policy design to consistent execution on the ground.

As a total beverage company, Coca-Cola shared several considerations for effective EPR systems and to maximize compliance models, including: clear and enforceable regulatory EPR system design; alignment with local collection and recycling infrastructure; inclusion of informal waste workers within recycling value chain and recovery systems; and stronger incentives that support recycled material use and infrastructure investment across the region.

Antonio “Tony” Del Rosario, president of Coca-Cola Philippines, joined fellow panelists from government, ASEAN institutions, and civil society to discuss implementation challenges and lessons from early-stage EPR markets.

“EPR systems work best when design, enforcement, and on-the-ground realities are aligned,” Del Rosario said. “That requires coordination across government, industry, and waste management stakeholders.”

Discussions throughout the summit similarly underscored that successful EPR systems require coordinated action across governments, businesses, financial institutions, waste management stakeholders, and communities. Speakers also highlighted the importance of ensuring that frameworks remain practical and locally relevant, recognizing the differing levels of infrastructure and market maturity across ASEAN economies.

Coca-Cola Philippines referenced examples from its local experience supporting collection and recycling efforts locally. These include Tapon to Ipon, a collection initiative now operating through more than 6,000 community drop-off points nationwide, and partnerships focused on waste recovery and recycling infrastructure. The company also noted the role of its philanthropic arm, the Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, in supporting programs that engage informal waste workers in the recycling value chain.

The company also cited PETValue Philippines, the country’s first bottle-to-bottle PET recycling facility established through a joint venture between Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines, and Indorama Ventures, as an example of private sector investment contributing to domestic recycling capacity.

Speakers across the summit emphasized that EPR outcomes depend on consistent implementation, investment-enabling policies, political stability, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration across markets, particularly given differences in infrastructure maturity across ASEAN economies.

Coca-Cola Philippines said it will continue to engage with government, industry peers, and community partners as EPR frameworks evolve across Southeast Asia.

Learn more about Coca-Cola Philippines’ sustainability initiatives at Coca-Cola Philippines Sustainability.

DOST-PTRI to Launch ONWARD, Pushing Nonwoven Textiles Toward Sustainable Manufacturing and Industrial Use

Manila, Philippines — The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) is set to launch ONWARD: Philippine Nonwoven Textile Innovation on July 1, 2026, at the SM North EDSA Annex Atrium, introducing nonwoven textiles developed through specialized machines and facilities to advance sustainable, natural fiber–based alternatives to synthetic plastics across a wide range of applications.

The launch sets a new direction for the Philippine textile industry, expanding beyond traditional woven fabrics and positioning nonwovens as a scalable response to environmental and climate challenges. This direction responds to findings from the Center for International Environmental Law, which notes that plastic-related emissions occur across the entire product lifecycle, from raw material extraction to disposal — the dependence that natural fiber–based nonwovens are designed to reduce.

“We have already established ourselves in woven materials, and now we want to leverage sustainability and technical innovation, and nonwovens are the perfect fit,” said Dr. Julius L. Leaño Jr., Director IV of DOST-PTRI. “The focus is on creating greater value, achieving larger-scale production, and expanding applications beyond traditional woven products and apparel.”

Open to the public, the launch will feature an exhibition and expert discussions led by DOST-PTRI and its development partners, highlighting how agricultural resources such as banana pseudostems, pineapple leaves, bamboo, water hyacinth, and other locally available materials can be engineered into high-performance nonwoven products.

Nonwoven textiles differ from conventional fabrics in that they are produced by directly bonding or interlocking fibers through mechanical, thermal, or chemical processes. This enables faster production, functional versatility, and broader industrial applications. While often unnoticed, nonwoven materials are widely used in everyday products such as face masks, wipes, automotive interiors, footwear components, filtration systems, medical supplies, and construction materials.

Central to the initiative are DOST-PTRI's natural textile fiber-based nonwovens, developed using technologies composed of more than 75 percent natural textile fibers. These materials demonstrate how high natural fiber content can deliver functional and durable alternatives while reducing dependence on petroleum-based plastics and supporting circular manufacturing goals.

The exhibition will showcase nonwoven materials produced through drylaid, wetlaid, airlaid, and spunlaid processes, demonstrating their durability, adaptability, and suitability for diverse performance requirements. Applications on display span transportation, furniture and interiors, construction, healthcare, fashion, accessories, agriculture, and infrastructure—highlighting the technology’s market potential beyond traditional textile uses.

ONWARD also highlights DOST-PTRI’s collaborations with local development partners, including Sarao Motors, Inc., Creative Definitions, Base Bahay Foundation, Inc., Jed Yabut Furniture & Design, Junknot, Fivecent Global Corporation, the Fashion Accessory Makers of the Philippines, and Renz Reyes, reflecting the growing interest in nonwoven technology across sectors.

“ONWARD is our new development in textiles and a new chapter in Filipino fabrics. We hope it will be given the space and support it deserves,” Dr. Leaño added as he called on the public to support this emerging innovation in textile science.

ONWARD brings together textile science and sustainable design, signaling a strategic shift toward resilient and environmentally responsible manufacturing that positions nonwoven technology as a key driver of the Philippine textile industry’s future.

The public, industry stakeholders, and design professionals are invited to witness the launch on July 1, 2026, at the SM North EDSA Annex Atrium, which serves as the venue partner. The exhibition will run until July 2, 2026.

For more information on ONWARD: Philippine Nonwoven Textile Innovation, visit ptri.dost.gov.ph/ or facebook.com/ptri.dost.

PLDT, NTSC Join Forces for Intensified Fight vs Cable Thieves

PLDT, through its Asset Protection & Security Risk Governance (APSRG) Group, is spearheading tighter industry-wide collaboration to protect telco infrastructure with the launch of ‘Oplan Balikatan’ with fellow members of the National Telecommunications Security Council (NTSC) to ensure the continuous delivery of connectivity and digital services in communities.

Spearheaded by the PLDT APSRG team in June 2021 for the mutual protection of telco infrastructure nationwide, the NTSC is an industry-wide alliance of corporate security professionals representing the country’s major telecommunications companies, including PLDT, Smart, Globe Telecom, DITO, Converge ICT Solutions, and other stakeholders.

‘Oplan Balikatan’ is an expansion of PLDT’s existing Bayanihan campaign, which aims to strengthen ties between telcos and barangays to protect telco equipment and enhance community vigilance to combat cable thieves and vandals.

"Keeping our communities safe and connected is an effort that needs all of us. By standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our colleagues from other telcos and our partners from the local government, we can embody the true spirit of Balikatan, and empower our respective communities as well,” said Col. Wilfredo Gonio, Head of PLDT and Smart’s Security Central Command & Administration Center, APSRG.

In its pilot Balikatan session in Brgy Upper Bicutan, Taguig City, representatives from PLDT led by GMM South Asset Protection Division (APD) Head Willie S. Antalan, Jr., Security Risk Management, Head Lucky Arjay V. Macapilit, and GMM South APD Team Head Jonie Prinzes Marie Valle, joined NTSC members led by Col Jaime Fernando Hidalgo (Ret), along with Jerome Rubrico and Eugene Carlos of DITO, Gerald Bechayda of Globe and Joel Trinidad of Converge in a dialogue with officials and security personnel of Brgy Upper Bicutan led by barangay chair Francisco Sunga.

In addition to discussing telco-related concerns of the barangay, NTSC also turned over Barangay iProtect items for use by the barangay police during their patrol duties, which included coffee mugs, reflectorized vests, security batons, and handcuffs.

“Across the industry, we may be competitors, but when it comes to securing our networks, we share a common responsibility. Through NTSC, we are working as one to deter illegal activities and ensure reliable service for the communities we all serve,” said NTSC Chairman Gen Ramiro Manuel Rey (Ret) of Converge ICT Solutions. “The safety and connectivity of our communities are our joint priority. Under NTSC, we can combine resources and expertise to protect our infrastructure and keep essential digital services running.”

Through its network protection and community security initiatives, the PLDT group, together with its telco partners, is helping create safer, more resilient communities where digital inclusion can thrive, through a community-centric approach that strengthens trust, fosters accountability, and ensures that technology continues to serve as a bridge to progress for millions of Filipinos.

These initiatives are also aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

COLORFUL Unveils iGame B850I MINI OC V14 Motherboard for High-Performance Mini-ITX Builds

Shenzhen, China – COLORFUL Technology Company Limited has officially introduced the iGame B850I MINI OC V14, a powerful Mini-ITX motherboard designed for gamers, content creators, and PC enthusiasts seeking premium performance in compact desktop builds. First showcased during COMPUTEX 2026, the motherboard combines advanced overclocking capabilities, next-generation connectivity, and robust power delivery in a space-saving form factor.

Despite its compact Mini-ITX dimensions, the iGame B850I MINI OC V14 is engineered to deliver enthusiast-level performance. It features a robust 9+2+1 phase power design with 60A DrMOS stages, allowing it to handle flagship AMD Ryzen processors, including the Ryzen 9 9950X, under demanding workloads. This makes it an ideal platform for users looking to build a powerful small form factor (SFF) gaming or productivity PC.

One of the motherboard's standout features is its dedicated clock generator, making it the only motherboard in its class to support asynchronous overclocking. Combined with a premium 10-layer server-grade low-loss PCB, the motherboard offers exceptional signal integrity for memory tuning. Users can achieve stable DDR5 XMP, and EXPO memory speeds up to 8400MHz, while experienced overclockers can push memory frequencies beyond 8800MHz through manual tuning.

The iGame B850I MINI OC V14 is also designed to complement COLORFUL's iGame MINI OC Series graphics cards, featuring a sleek black-and-silver aesthetic for visually cohesive SFF builds. Whether installed in a minimalist gaming case or a premium showcase chassis, the motherboard delivers both style and performance.

Connectivity is another major highlight. The motherboard supports dual PCIe 5.0 M.2 SSD slots, enabling ultra-fast storage performance for gaming, creative workloads, and everyday computing. Networking is equally future-ready with integrated 5GbE LAN, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.4, ensuring fast and reliable wired and wireless connections.

The rear I/O panel includes a USB 20Gbps Type-C port alongside a total of eight USB ports, plus HDMI and DisplayPort outputs, providing connectivity options typically found on larger Micro-ATX motherboards.

The COLORFUL iGame B850I MINI OC V14 is now available through select partner resellers, with broader market availability expected in Q3 2026. For pricing and regional availability, interested customers are encouraged to contact their local COLORFUL Technology representative.

With its combination of compact design, premium features, and next-generation technologies, the iGame B850I MINI OC V14 sets a new benchmark for Mini-ITX motherboards built for modern AMD Ryzen systems.

Globe, Ayala Group Volunteers Support Earthquake Recovery in GenSan and Sarangani

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines — Globe, Ayala Foundation, and the WeAreAyala Business Club (WAABC) Davao provided relief assistance to 1,300 families affected by the recent earthquakes in Mindanao. Through the #GlobeOfGood initiative, the partners distributed relief packs to these families in Barangay Ligaya, General Santos City, and Alabel, Sarangani. Beyond immediate aid, the initiative also offered digital literacy and psychosocial wellness activities to support affected communities.

Recognizing the need for trusted information during emergencies, Globe conducted anti-fraud and online scam awareness sessions for parents and senior citizens through its #SeniorDigizen program. Participants learned how to identify online threats, verify information sources, and practice responsible digital citizenship, helping them stay safe from scams and misinformation.

Children affected by the earthquake also received psychosocial support through Project Aruga, led by volunteers from the psychology community in General Santos City. Through play-based activities and guided group sessions, the program created a safe space for children to express their emotions, process their experiences, and reconnect with their peers.

The relief mission brought together 110 volunteers from Globe, Ayala Foundation, Makati Development Corporation, and other Ayala Group companies. Their collective effort helped deliver assistance on the ground while demonstrating the spirit of volunteerism and collaboration that drives the Ayala Group's response to communities in need.

"Challenging times test the resilience of communities, but they also inspire acts of generosity and solidarity. At Globe, we are proud to work alongside our partners and fellow volunteers in supporting affected families and helping communities recover and move forward together,” said James Lopez, the Head of External Affairs for Mindanao at Globe. Lopez also serves as Chairman of the Board of the WeAreAyala Business Club Davao.

Barangay Captain of Bgy. Ligaya, Rolando E. Tapel welcomed the support extended to residents, noting the impact of the assistance on families working to recover from the earthquake.

“Daghang Salamat sa tabang sa Ayala Group nga ang among barangay sa GenSan ang napili para sa food packs. Dako kaayo ning tabang para sa amoa. Nagpasalamat ko sa mga volunteers nga nagpasiugda niiini. Salamat gayud!”

"We sincerely thank the Ayala Group for choosing and extending assistance to our barangay in General Santos. The food packs provided much-needed support to many families, and we are equally grateful to the volunteers whose dedication made this outreach possible," he shared.

Ayala Foundation underscored the importance of bringing together different sectors to help communities move from immediate response to long-term recovery. "Recovery is not only about addressing urgent needs after a disaster. It is also about helping communities rebuild their confidence, strengthen support systems, and become better prepared for future challenges. Through collaboration and volunteerism, we can create meaningful opportunities for families to recover and move forward," said Cenen Milan Jr., Lead and Senior Manager for the Corporate Citizenship and Volunteerism Program at Ayala Foundation.

“WAABC is built on the belief that we can make a greater impact when we come together. Through the combined efforts of employees across the Ayala Group, we are able to support communities not only in times of crisis, but also in their journey toward recovery,” said Lopez.

The initiative demonstrates how partnerships can deliver support that addresses both immediate and long-term community needs. More than a relief effort, the initiative reflects a collective commitment to helping communities recover, rebuild, and move forward together.

For more information about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.